Sociology Department

COURSES OFFERED
 
Sociology 001 Introduction to Sociology:
3 units. Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University.
 
This course is an introduction to the field of sociology as a scientific discipline, an examination of human society from various sociological perspectives, analysis of the relationship between personality development and the sociocultural environment, and the presentation of social institutions and possible influences on behavior. This course may also be offered in a distance learning format. Credit / No Credit Option.
 
Sociology 002 Social Problems:
3 units. Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University.
 
This course is an introduction to the sociological perspective in dealing with contemporary social problems. Drug addiction, poverty, violence, mental illness, environment, aging, and other areas of societal concerns are examined. Available community resources to help deal with and arrive at solutions to these problems will be explored. This course may also be offered in a distance learning format. Credit / No Credit Option.
 
Sociology 020 American Race Relations:
3 units. Acceptable for credit: University of California, California State University.
 
This is a survey course of the experiences, problems, and the contemporary way of life of the minority people in the United States. This course focuses on racial conflicts and intergroup tensions from a minority perspective. It is designed to create a context through which race harmony may be achieved. This course fulfills the 3-unit Cultural Diversity requirement for an Associate degree. This course may also be offered in a distance learning format. Credit / No Credit Option.
 
Sociology 040 Marriage and Family:
3 units. Acceptable for credit: California State University.
 
This course gives students the opportunity to study marriage in contemporary American society. Problems of mate choice, courtship and dating practices, adjustment to marriage, aspects of parenthood and child training, and investigation of possible problem areas of marriage are explored. This course may also be offered in a distance learning format. Credit/No Credit Option.
 
Sociology 045 Sociology of Human Sexuality:
3 units. Acceptable for credit: California State University.
 
This course examines the sexual attitudes and behavior in our society, research findings concerning the range of normality of human sexual functioning, sexual myths and origins, who believes them and why. The course will include discussions relating to the institutionalization of sex in American society, the symbolic nature of sexual expression, teaching children regarding sexuality, the complexities of sexual orientation, and the impact of sexually transmitted diseases upon society. This course may also be offered in a distance learning format. Credit/No Credit Option.
 
 
INSTRUCTORS:
 
Donn Murphy, Department Chair
Social Science Division Office  #1e
tel: 408.741.2550
email: donn_murphy@westvalley.edu
 
Tom DeDen
Social Science Division Office  #1e
tel: 408.741.2543
email: tom_deden@westvalley.edu